‘Game of Thrones’ Author George R.R. Martin Teases Completion of Next Book in Series

George R.R. Martin has canceled plans to attend two upcoming conventions — unless, that is, he finishes the latest installment in the “Song of Ice and Fire” series, the author wrote on his blog Monday night.

“Should I complete and deliver ‘Winds of Winter’ before these cons roll round, I reserve the right to change my mind,” said Martin, who said he had hoped to attend San Diego Comic-Con in July though it hadn’t been on his published schedule.

Fans have been eager for “The Winds of Winter” since the fifth book in the series “A Dance with Dragons” was released in July 2011. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is the basis for the smash hit HBO drama “Game of Thrones.”

“My apologies to anyone who saw Saratoga on my Appearances page and planned to go in order to see me. I won’t be there. Go anyway. You’ll have a great time,” he said. “I have decided against attending this year’s San Diego Comicon (sic). Same reason. But since Comicon was never listed on my Appearances page, scratching it is not as big a deal.”